Paul John Grotzinger

Paul John Grotzinger, 83, of Pilot Grove passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the VA Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was one of three children born in Pilot Grove to Phillip and Elizabeth Grotzinger.

Paul was a graduate of the Pilot Grove High School class of 1949. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He and Amelia Eck were married April 7, 1956 and they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last month. They lived in the St. Louis area when first married, where their sons were born. They later moved back to Pilot Grove in 1964 to raise their family which would sooon include a daughter. He worked the farm and also worked over 20 years atht e Pilot Grove Co-Op.

Paul was a member of the St. Joseph parish, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

He was a voracious reader with western novels being a particular favorite. He also loved watching western movies, especially John Wayne. In his younger years he enjoyed squirrel hunting and fishing.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Eugene Grotzinger; a sister Patricia Eck; and daughter-in-law Marjorie Grotzinger.

He is survived by his wife Amelia of the home; sons John Grotzinger and his wife Melony of Rocheport and William Grotzinger of Pilot Grove; daughter Paula Vandelicht and her husband Kevin of Ashland; grandchildren Joshua Grotzinger, Tabitha Ballew, Kendra Temple, Breanna Grotzinger, Samantha Grotzinger, Nathan Vandelicht, Caleb Vandelicht; five great-grandchildren; brother Charles Gratzinger and his wife Anita of Des Peres, Missouri; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 7, 2015 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Phil Kane as celebrant. Burial will be immediately following in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Pilot Grove.